Biological control : a consumer perspective

Rengam S., . (1992) Biological control : a consumer perspective. [Proceedings Paper]

Modern agriculture is characterised by the use of high amounts of inputs especially pesticides and fertilisers. In the initial euphoria following the introduction of DDT and other synthetic organic pesticides during World War II many scientist predicted that such chemicals would make pest problems a thing of the past. But the promise of chemical pest control has not been fulfilled. In recent years there is much evidence that pesticides are not only causing massive environmental and health problems but in the long term they are not effective nor economical. Increasingly consumers are worried about the chronic effects of chemicals in their foods pesticides that they use and their effects on the environment. Thus there is now a move towards methods of pest control that are more sustainble and especially pest control that is not only do not primarily depend on hazardous chemicals. And biological control is one method of pest control that is not only sustainable but often self perpetuating. Many well-documented and highly profitable successes have occurred with biological control especially classical techniques. As success of biological controls depends on thoroughly understanding the biology and ecology of the pest and its natural enemies the high research requirements of this approach may be quite expensive in the short run. In the long run however the benefits can be enormous as effective biological controls are safe permanent and very cost effective. Natural enemies introduced to an area can continue to suppress pest populations year after year with little or no input from farmers

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Abstract

Modern agriculture is characterised by the use of high amounts of inputs especially pesticides and fertilisers. In the initial euphoria following the introduction of DDT and other synthetic organic pesticides during World War II many scientist predicted that such chemicals would make pest problems a thing of the past. But the promise of chemical pest control has not been fulfilled. In recent years there is much evidence that pesticides are not only causing massive environmental and health problems but in the long term they are not effective nor economical. Increasingly consumers are worried about the chronic effects of chemicals in their foods pesticides that they use and their effects on the environment. Thus there is now a move towards methods of pest control that are more sustainble and especially pest control that is not only do not primarily depend on hazardous chemicals. And biological control is one method of pest control that is not only sustainable but often self perpetuating. Many well-documented and highly profitable successes have occurred with biological control especially classical techniques. As success of biological controls depends on thoroughly understanding the biology and ecology of the pest and its natural enemies the high research requirements of this approach may be quite expensive in the short run. In the long run however the benefits can be enormous as effective biological controls are safe permanent and very cost effective. Natural enemies introduced to an area can continue to suppress pest populations year after year with little or no input from farmers

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Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
Additional Information:	8 ref.; Summary En
AGROVOC Term:	CONSUMIDORES
AGROVOC Term:	CONTROL BIOLOGICO/ CONTROL DE PLAGAS
AGROVOC Term:	PLAGUICIDAS
Geographical Term:	MALAYSIA
Depositing User:	Ms. Norfaezah Khomsan
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:26
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/15013

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